Michigan splits the roles cleanly — the guardian handles the person and files the condition report; the conservator handles the money and files the account. Both run on a distinctive 56-day window after the appointment anniversary.
Michigan is one of the clearest “split role” states: the guardian makes personal decisions (healthcare, living arrangements, well-being); the conservator manages money. One person can hold both, but the reporting duties are separate and both must be satisfied. A guardian without a conservator has only limited control over the ward’s finances — enough to receive and apply money for support, care, and education.
The guardian’s duty to report “the condition of the ward and the ward’s estate” not less often than annually comes from MCL 700.5314(j); the filing deadline — within 56 days after the anniversary of appointment — comes from MCR 5.409(A). The report (Form PC 634) covers current mental, physical, and social condition; improvements or deterioration; living arrangements and whether a more suitable one is recommended; medical and mental-health treatment; DNR, nonopioid directive, and POST form status; services received; a list of visits and activities; and a recommendation on continued guardianship.
Timing quirk: the court cannot accept the report more than 56 days before the anniversary — the window is a band around the date, not “anytime early”. And the guardian must notify the court of any change in the ward’s residence within 14 days.
The annual report must be served on the ward (if 14 or older), the person with principal care and custody, and the spouse and adult children (or presumptive heirs) — MCR 5.125(C)(24) — with a Proof of Service (Form PC 564) filed with the report. Filing the report without serving it is an incomplete filing.
The conservator files an Annual Account of Fiduciary (Form PC 584) each year — every dollar received (SSI, pensions, trust distributions), every expenditure, and assets on hand — with a $20 filing fee per filing. Some counties add local twists: Oakland County, for example, requires an in-person accounting review, and a mailed PC 584 without the scheduled review is treated as incomplete. One restriction worth knowing: a guardian may not use the ward’s funds for room and board furnished by the guardian or the guardian’s close family unless the court approves the charge.
The Guardian product calendars the 56-day band around your anniversary and reconciles the conservator’s account before filing.
Within 56 days after the anniversary of your appointment (MCR 5.409(A)) - on Form PC 634. The court cannot accept it more than 56 days before the anniversary, so the window is a band around the date.
The guardian makes personal decisions and files the annual condition report (PC 634); the conservator manages money and files the annual account (PC 584). One person can hold both roles, but both filing duties apply.
The ward if 14 or older, the person with principal care and custody, and the spouse and adult children or presumptive heirs (MCR 5.125(C)(24)) - documented on a Proof of Service form PC 564 filed with the report.
Failure to file the annual report on time results in suspension of the guardian's powers and possible removal. Conservators face sanctions and forced accounting reviews.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time — confirm the specifics with the court, agency, or a qualified professional.